Navigating the C’s of Change
Since the pandemic, dental teams have been changing at an alarming rate. We have to navigate the “C’s of Change” to keep ourselves and our teams cohesive and confident! It’s been said that you never know the true beauty of a glow stick until it breaks and you shake it up; could the same be true of ourselves and our teams?
When a team member moves on from our office, we may not find a candidate that fulfills our needs right away. Identifying the needs before searching for a replacement is important. The following questions are helpful: Who do we need? What do we need them to do? Where is the need the greatest? When do we need them? How do we move forward?
Let’s explore some mindful ways to navigate the changes we’re experiencing nationwide.
While it may be scary at the beginning, this is a time to learn to shine! First, take a step back, a few deep breaths, and know that everything will be alright. Then, figure out exactly what you need in order to function productively.
COLLECT OUR THOUGHTS
This is a time to reevaluate our needs as a group. Have a team meeting to discuss how this change affects everyone, which tasks need to be divided, and who is best suited for them. Do you need to name a new infection control officer, HIPAA privacy or security officer, OSHA officer, maintenance coordinator, medical emergency officer, radiation officer, etc.? Take time as an office to meet and evaluate the needs of your team every few weeks until a new team member is welcomed and established.
CUSTOMIZE
You can have an ideal workday during a transitional time with little customization. Take notes during team discussions about which aspects of our duties need slight adjustments to be seamless and more productive. While we are taking on new or additional duties, customize your scheduling blocks and make time for sterilization and room setup. Is there a need to create new check-in or check-out procedures? Can any tasks become automated? Do you need to schedule staggered arrival times to avoid simultaneous check-ins purposely? Customize any aspect necessary to maintain a steady flow and avoid backlogs of patients, instruments, or operatories needing attention.
COMMUNICATION
In our fast-paced offices, effective communication is crucial! Clear, concise, and friendly communication is essential for the smoothest transitions of patients flowing in and out of operatories. Make sure that everyone attends the morning huddle to review the day together and address any timeframes of concern. Be prepared for emergency appointments and ask the clinical team for the best emergency times available. Throughout the day, check in with other departments as time permits and simply ask, “How can I help?”
As a team, we need to be sure that we are aware of and communicate our needs clearly. That way, we can outline all the duties required of our new team member. For example, if a clinical assistant is necessary, determine if the need is a sterilization or infection control technician who can train to advance to an assistant in the future or if a skilled and experienced expanded-functions assistant is required. If an administrative assistant is necessary, determine if an automated system is helpful or if a patient coordinator is required. Honest, open discussions should point everyone to the same conclusion to help find exactly which role is best suited for your team.
CAMARADERIE
During this time of change, schedule extra fun team-building events! Small and large groups all benefit from team bonding time away from the office and in a casual environment. This leads to stronger relationships and a cohesive work environment.
CAN-DO ATTITUDES
The energy within the office changes with the departure and arrival of team members. A team full of “can-do” attitudes will succeed together! All tasks can be completed on their usual timetable as long as the time is made available and tasks are properly delegated. Remain clear-headed and lead the team with your “can-do” mentality each day.
CELEBRATE
Be each other’s biggest supporters and cheer on each and every victory. They all matter! Share compliments given by patients, acknowledge extra efforts made by the team and celebrate personal achievements. When goals are met or exceeded-CELEBRATE in a big way; you’ve all earned it!
We can make each day a positive experience by remaining mindful of our team and navigating the C’s of Change. A cohesive environment is key to success. Collect your thoughts, customize your operations, communicate with each other, build camaraderie, lead with a can-do attitude, and CELEBRATE each other as champions!
About the Author
Lora Graetzer, FAADOM, DISIPC, is a lifetime member of AADOM and is dedicated to professional education and personal growth. She was one of the first 40 nationwide candidates to earn the Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control designation. She is also the Vice President of the Baltimore/Annapolis, Maryland chapter of AADOM, lovingly known as AADOM BAM. Check out the educational opportunities that await you at www.aadombam.com…Click to open link in a new tab….
